Toolbox Talks

Working on Roofs

Working on Roofs

Short safety talk on working safely when working on roofs.

Author: Star Refrigeration

Working on Roofs

Air Handling Units, Extractor Fans and Cooling Equipment are frequently installed on buildingroofs, however there will always be a need to get access to them for both installation and maintenance purposes. This means that personnel are exposed to the risk of falling off or falling through the roof.

The Health and Safety at Work Act requires a Safe Place of Work at all times and thisincludes safe access and egress to and from that place of work, i.e. the roof. The Construction Regulations (!) are precise in that no one shall pass across, or work on, a ‘fragile’ roof.

Fragile roofs must, by law, have a warning notice, conspicuous to any person who is likely toRequire access to them. NEVER assume that because there is no notice that it is perfectly Safe. The notice may be missing or it may have blown away!

Roof-work Rules

o Always identify the type of roof construction and covering before starting work just in case it is fragile.

o On flat roofs, always stay on any marked walkways.

o Edge protection (guard rails and toe boards) is required if the drop is more than 1.98 metres.

o Access must be by staircase or ‘secured’ ladders. Makeshift access, e.g. climbing out of a window, jumping over a gap, balancing on a ledge or parapet etc. is not ‘Safe Access’

o In windy weather, listen to weather forecasts and plan ahead. If necessary, ring the Meteorological Office for advice.

o When a safety harness or other safety equipment is provided you MUST use it.

o On sloping roofs (10° pitch for walkways, 30° pitch if work place) suitable roof ladders or crawling boards must be provided or other suitable handhold and foothold.